Wacker expands technical center in Dubai and includes new polymers lab

The center of excellence located at the “Dubai Silicon Oasis” (DSO) technology park now also includes a dedicated laboratory for polymer dispersions needed as binders for adhesives and carpet applications. Further, a laboratory has been established for developing and testing silicone elastomers.

Extension to five laboratories

The technical center Dubai now comprises five laboratories to support customers in the paints and coatings, construction, energy mold making, carpet and adhesives industries. With the expansion, Wacker is increasing its local expertise in applications technology, know-how transfer and service, thereby meeting its local customers’ needs for high-quality silicone and polymer products in the strongly growing markets of the MEA region.

Increasing growth potential

The region’s increasing growth potential, particularly with regard to carpet and energy applications, prompted the expansion of the local facility. “The expanded facility will strengthen our position as one of the leading silicones and polymers manufacturers in Middle East and Africa”, explained Cyril Cisinski, Managing Director Wacker Chemicals Middle East.

Support for formulations with VAE dispersions

The focus of the new polymers lab is on providing technical support for formulations with vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions to meet the growing local demands of customers in the carpet and adhesives industries. VAE dispersions of the “Vinnapas” brand are increasingly being used in place of traditional latexes as binders for bonding carpet backing, as well as for high-quality wood glue and water-based flooring adhesives.

Both new labs are equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation and enable numerous tests with regard to locally available raw materials, climatic and environmental conditions, and regional requirements. The silicones lab has further been certified according to the ISO 17025 standard.